Türkiye readies rescue teams to search for hostage bodies in Gaza

Türkiye has prepared dozens of search-and-rescue teams for deployment to the Gaza Strip, but their departure has not yet been approved and remains under internal discussion in Ankara.

According to Al-Monitor, Türkiye, along with Qatar and Egypt, is participating in implementing the ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas is required to return all hostages — both living and deceased — to Israel.

Earlier, Turkish news agency Ihlas reported that the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) had prepared a team of 81 specialists to participate in the search for hostage bodies. According to the media, Turkish teams are equipped with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection gear and can also be deployed for neutralising unexploded ordnance.

A Turkish official confirmed the rescuers’ readiness but noted that their departure is “postponed until a final decision.” Another source said the timing depends on coordination with other countries and internal procedures in Ankara.

By Khagan Isayev